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S83.201A
ICD-10-CM
Left Meniscus Tear

Find information on left meniscus tear diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, MRI findings, and treatment options. Learn about meniscus tear symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and healthcare provider resources for accurate coding and billing. This resource covers relevant medical terminology for left lateral meniscus tear and left medial meniscus tear documentation for physicians and healthcare professionals. Explore information on meniscectomy, meniscus repair, and related orthopedic procedures.

Also known as

Left Knee Meniscus Tear
Medial Meniscus Tear of Left Knee

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A rip in the C-shaped cartilage of the left knee, causing pain and instability.
  • Clinical Signs : Left knee pain, swelling, clicking, popping, limited range of motion, locking.
  • Common Settings : Sports injuries, twisting falls, degenerative changes.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S83.201A Coding
S83.2-

Tear of meniscus of left knee

Covers various left knee meniscus tears.

S83.-

Other internal derangements of left knee

Includes other left knee internal injuries, not just meniscus.

M23.-

Internal derangement of knee

General code for knee derangements, unspecified side.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the tear traumatic?

  • Yes

    Current injury?

  • No

    Chronic or unspecified?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left meniscus tear
Left knee sprain
Left knee internal derangement

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left knee pain documented
  • Mechanism of injury specified
  • Physical exam findings: tenderness, swelling, clicking, locking
  • McMurray's or Thessaly test results included
  • MRI confirmation of meniscus tear location

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Unspecified

    Coding left meniscus tear without specifying laterality (left or right) can lead to claim denials and inaccurate reporting. Use appropriate ICD-10 codes with laterality.

  • Specificity of Tear

    Lack of documentation clarifying the type of tear (e.g., anterior, posterior, bucket handle) can cause coding errors. CDI should query for tear specifics for accurate code assignment.

  • Traumatic vs. Degenerative

    Distinguishing between traumatic and degenerative tears impacts code selection and reimbursement. Incomplete documentation poses an audit risk. CDI should clarify etiology.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (S13.-) for laterality & type
  • Thorough documentation of mechanism of injury for compliance
  • Specific exam details: McMurray's, Thessaly tests improve CDI
  • Image findings (MRI) correlation with exam for compliant billing
  • Clear documentation of treatment plan impacts HCC coding

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1.Hx of twisting injury, popping sensation, and/or joint locking? Document details.
  • 2.Joint line tenderness? Perform McMurray and Thessaly tests, document results.
  • 3.Effusion or decreased ROM? Evaluate, document, and correlate with imaging.
  • 4.Order MRI for definitive diagnosis. Code M23.2xxA, document justification.
  • 5.Consider prior injuries, osteoarthritis, and other differentials. Document rationale.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Meniscus Tear: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for arthroscopy, meniscectomy, repair.
  • ICD-10 S83.2-, CPT 29880-29883: Proper coding maximizes meniscus tear surgery reimbursement.
  • Accurate meniscus tear diagnosis coding improves hospital quality reporting metrics.
  • Meniscus tear treatment cost reporting: Optimize coding for accurate data analysis and benchmarking.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code laterality (left meniscus)
  • Specify tear type (e.g., bucket handle)
  • Document mechanism of injury
  • Include imaging findings (MRI)
  • Consider chronic vs acute

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of left knee pain, consistent with a suspected left meniscus tear.  Onset of symptoms occurred [Date of onset] following [Mechanism of injury - e.g., twisting injury while playing sports, insidious onset with no specific event].  Patient reports [Character of pain - e.g., sharp, aching, dull] pain localized to the [Location of pain - e.g., medial joint line, lateral joint line] of the left knee.  Pain is exacerbated by [Aggravating factors - e.g., weight-bearing, twisting movements, squatting] and relieved by [Alleviating factors - e.g., rest, ice, elevation].  Associated symptoms include [Associated symptoms - e.g., clicking, popping, locking, swelling, stiffness, instability, giving way]. Physical examination reveals [Positive findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation along the medial joint line, positive McMurray test, positive Thessaly test, limited range of motion].  Differential diagnosis includes medial meniscus tear, lateral meniscus tear, ligamentous injury, patellofemoral pain syndrome, osteoarthritis.  Imaging studies [Imaging ordered - e.g., left knee x-ray, left knee MRI] were ordered to evaluate the extent of the injury.  Preliminary diagnosis is left meniscus tear.  Treatment plan includes [Treatment plan - e.g., conservative management with RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), physical therapy referral, NSAIDs,  orthopedic consultation for possible arthroscopy, meniscus repair, partial meniscectomy].  Patient education provided regarding activity modification, pain management strategies, and potential complications.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for [Date of follow-up] to assess response to treatment and discuss further management options.  ICD-10 code: [Appropriate ICD-10 code - e.g., S13.212A].